In the religious circles of Kyrgyzstan, the issue of polygamy is again raised for public discussion.

How profound internal contradictions oppress women in polygamous marriages, is evident from the fate of everyone who turns to the “Sezim” center for help. And these women are becoming more and more …

Not adapted to polygamous relationships, women in Kyrgyzstan, where polygamy is a criminal offense and violation of human rights, break their will and destiny in order to “match” the polygamy of a husband, and children are involved in this relationship…

Aliya (39 years old) appealed to center “Sezim”. She is married more than twenty years, in which there are seven children and a grandson. Arriving in Bishkek with her husband 20 years ago from the Southern region, they worked tirelessly. A fragile woman in the cold and in the heat dragged heavy bags, and still with a 12-year-old son sells onions in the Osh market. The family would have lived as before, but Aliya’s 47-year-old husband, three years ago, got himself a second wife. Since that moment, there is no peace in the family. According to the woman, she adheres to the canons of Islam, treats her husband respectfully, and “every time he comes home she washes his feet and does massage. And she is ready to give birth to another child if her husband wishes so “… The youngest child in the family is two years old. The elder sons express their readiness to protect the helpless mother. In the heat of quarreling, the sons tell their parents that they will use alcohol and drugs, if this situation does not stop. Because of such experience, the woman lost 20 kg and now weighs 45 kg.

Aliya professes Islam, and seems to even agree to a second wife, but to remain in such relationships is painful. She asked her husband for a divorce on sharia, but he does not let her go, and she is economically dependent, despite the fact that she works on equal terms with her husband. Aliya can not yet make a decision on her situation, but she has a great desire to get out of these painful, disenfranchised relationships. And to claim her rights, she needs strength and courage …

Such polygamy victims are becoming more and more in our country. And despite the criminal liability for polygamy, no man in Kyrgyzstan has been punished for this criminal act. It is very difficult to prove polygamy in court (repeated marriages, of course, are not registered, and are covered by religious canons), and women themselves do not write applications, being from a heavy economic and / or psychological dependence on polygamous husbands.

No woman in Kyrgyzstan used Article 153 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, did not declare her hard life drama and criminally violated rights. And such husbands violate the laws of our country … and appeal to the public about legalizing polygamy …

(For the purpose of confidentiality of treatment, the name of the victim is changed)